_By his sincere_,
_faithful_,
_and affectionate Friend_,
_THE AUTHOR_.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE
_History of Whittington_, _&c._
THOUGH local descriptions and circumstances are seldom productive of any
high degree of interest, yet when they become connected with the
adventurous, active, and surprising career of any remarkable individual,
even the most trivial assumes a degree of importance, excites a lively
curiosity, and seldom tails to gratify the expectation it has awakened.
As the ruins of the castle at this place are in an eminent degree
picturesque and beautiful, and its being the birthplace and residence of
one of the Barons to whom we owe the blessing of the MAGNA CHARTA, as
well as the scene of many of his surprising adventures; even the short
account I propose to offer, cannot be wholly devoid of entertainment and
instruction.
It is the opinion of learned antiquarians, that this was the place so
famed by the name of Drev-Wen, or the White Town, by the illustrious
Welsh poet Lowarch Hen, who lived in the year 590. He says that a prince
of his country named Cynddylan was defeated and fell here, in opposing
the progress of the Irish who had invaded the country. This ancient bard
expresses the rage of the battle in such an energetic manner, that if I
attempt to describe it, I shall fall far short of the original; therefore
I content myself with quoting his own words.
“Y {4} Drêv uen ym mron y koed
Yseu yn y hervas eiryoed
A uyneb y guelht y guaed
Y Drêv uen yn yd hŷmyr
Y hervas y-Llâs vyver
Y guared ydan draed y gwŷr.”